If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting meal that’s simple to make and perfect for using up leftover turkey or ground turkey, this easy homemade turkey pot pie is just what you need. With a flaky crust, savory filling, and loads of veggies, this dish is a crowd-pleaser the whole family will love. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this classic comfort food in your own kitchen!
Contents
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Pot Pie
- Quick & Convenient: Using ground turkey makes this recipe faster and easier than traditional pot pies that require pre-cooked turkey.
- Comforting Classic: There’s nothing like a warm, creamy pot pie to bring comfort on chilly nights.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can use whatever veggies you have on hand and even swap in leftover turkey if you prefer.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy filling and golden crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey is the star of this recipe—healthy, flavorful, and cooks quickly.
- Vegetables: Classic choices include carrots, peas, corn, and green beans. Frozen mixed veggies work great for convenience.
- Onion & Garlic: For flavor depth.
- Butter & Flour: To make a simple roux that thickens the filling.
- Chicken or Turkey Broth: Adds rich, savory flavor.
- Milk or Cream: Makes the filling creamy and luscious.
- Pie Crust: Store-bought or homemade—your choice! You’ll need one for the top (and bottom if you want double crust).
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley give that classic pot pie taste.
How to Make Turkey Pot Pie with Ground Turkey
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when you are.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned. Break it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add Aromatics & Veggies: Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Then add your vegetables (fresh or frozen) and sauté until they start to soften.
- Make the Roux: Push the turkey and veggies to the side of the pan. Melt butter in the empty space, then sprinkle in flour. Stir and cook for about a minute to remove any raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in broth while stirring, then add milk or cream. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Season Well: Add salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and any other favorite herbs. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Assemble the Pie: If using a bottom crust, line your pie dish with it. Pour in the turkey filling. Place the top crust over the filling, crimp the edges to seal, and cut a few slits for steam to escape.
- Bake: Place your pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for about 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Let your pot pie cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Pot Pie
- No ground turkey? No problem! Use leftover cooked turkey or even chicken—just chop it into bite-sized pieces and add after sautéing the veggies.
- Add more flavor: A splash of white wine or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can boost depth in your filling.
- Dairy-free option: Swap out milk/cream for unsweetened non-dairy milk like oat or almond, and use vegan butter if needed.
- Pie crust shortcuts: Refrigerated pie dough saves time, but puff pastry also works for an extra flaky top!
- Bake ahead: Assemble your pot pie up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to baking time if starting cold.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Can I freeze turkey pot pie?
Absolutely! Prepare your pot pie up to the baking step, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about an hour, covering loosely with foil if the crust browns too quickly.
How do I reheat leftovers?
You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm larger portions in a low oven (about 325°F/165°C) until heated through. If the crust is getting too dark, cover with foil while reheating.
Can I use other meats?
This recipe is very versatile! Try it with ground chicken or beef for a different twist. You can also make it vegetarian by swapping out meat for more veggies or cooked lentils.
I don’t have a pie dish—what can I use?
No worries! A square baking dish or even individual ramekins work perfectly. Adjust baking times if using smaller dishes.
How do I avoid a soggy bottom crust?
If you’re using a bottom crust, you can blind-bake it for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. Also, make sure your filling isn’t too runny before assembling.
Serving Suggestions
This turkey pot pie is a meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables on the side. For extra coziness, serve with warm rolls or biscuits to soak up every bit of creamy filling.
Storing & Freezing Tips
- In the fridge: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- In the freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked pot pie (see above). Always label with date for best results!
Your New Favorite Comfort Food
This easy turkey pot pie with ground turkey is destined to become a staple in your home. It’s fast enough for busy weeknights yet special enough for Sunday dinner. The creamy filling, tender veggies, and flaky crust come together in every delicious bite!
If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out! Share your tweaks and tips in the comments—we love hearing from you!